Two staff members of Israeli embassy killed in shooting in DC, US official says
World
Noem announced the deaths in a post on X after the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington were shot and killed Wednesday evening near a Jewish museum, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.
Noem announced the deaths in a post on X after the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum, which is located steps away from the FBI’s field office in the nation’s capital.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the US attorney in Washington.
Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, called the shooting a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”
"Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line," Danon said in a post on X. "We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act."
He wrote: “Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives — everywhere in the world.”
SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
Reuters adds: According to officials and media reports, a suspect is in custody.
A man and a woman were shot and killed in the area of 3rd and F streets in Northwest which is near the museum, an FBI field office and the US attorney's office, according to the reports.
Washington police chief Pamela Smith said a single suspect who was seen pacing outside the museum before the event was in custody. The suspect chanted "Free Palestine, Free Palestine," in custody, she said.
Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington, said two of its staff members were shot "at close range" while attending a Jewish event at the museum.
The Israeli embassy did not immediately respond to questions about the shooter, the victims or the motive for the attack.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed two Israeli embassy staff members were killed.
"We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share," Noem wrote in a post on X.
"We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice."
FBI Director Kash Patel said he and his team had been briefed on the shooting.
"While we’re working with [Metropolitan Police Department] to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families," he wrote on X.
The Metropolitan Police Department declined to comment, saying a press conference would be held shortly.
